Thursday

If you're like me and stuck in D.C. during NYC Fashion week, fear not! Rebecca Heslin will be bringing you all of the action covering Fashion Week for USA Today. She will be covering 20+ fashion shows and parties in 5 days... Rough life. ;-)

And oh ya, she probably is the most fashionable girl I know, so stay tuned!

Skye Lounge of Washington, DC's financial district plans to host a "Bike & Car Show" fundraising event the evening of Saturday, September 6, 2008. The charity chosen to benefit from dollars raised is the Coalition for the Homeless.

Owners of Skye chose the Coalition for the Homeless because they have participated in homeless fundraisers in the past with St. Luke's. "I know this is a major problem in the nation's capital and it should not be. The homeless population in Washington, DC is the greatest per capita of any city in the US. Through Skye we have the opportunity to give back and hopefully help alleviate a growing issue in the city" they both add.

The evening will showcase a myriad of exotic vehicles. Guests are encouraged to bring their own bikes and motorcycles as well. To accommodate the number of cars and bikes, from 6pm to 10pm, the city will close down blocks inclusive of 19th, 20th, and Eye Streets, NW specifically for this event.

Some of the exotic cars which will be featured include the Attack Roadster, Toyota Supra, Viper, Lamborghini Guilardo, Maserati, and the Drift Nissan 240. Among the motorcycles are the R1 Yamaha, Hyabusa, Suzuki GSXR (models 600, 750 and 1000).

A $10 or $20 donation for the cause is suggested for attendees. Skye will provide live music, a date auction, prizes and drink and food specials. Reservations are only for those showcasing cars or bikes and admittance is first come first serve.

Red Bull, Grey Goose, Race Apeel , MischiefTV, Eurobeat , Atyer Service have signed on to be corporate sponsors of the benefit.

So excited for this!!! Holly Morris of Fox 5 is hosting a wine tasting to raise funds for her team in Breast Cancer 3-Day Walk. Holly and friends will be making the 60 mile journey in honor of her aunt who was just diagnosed with Breast Cancer.

Tonight, Friday, September 5th, Holly will be hosting Uncork the Cure at Madam Tussauds' with a wine tasting event, and food from Cure Bar and Bistro and Georgetown Cupcakes. There will also be a silent auction and a chance to win a gorgeous pair of diamond earrings!

Tickets are $150 for one or $275 for two and 100% tax deductible! Hope to see you there!

Hope you can make it out to the Fashion Fights Poverty Look Book Launch this evening that I will be hosting at Tattoo Lounge in honor of this years' Dress Responsibly Campaign.

6pm-10pm TONIGHT!

The look book is a catalogue of chic, contemporary, and ethical designers modeled by celebrities and everyday citizens who have pledged their support to the FFP mission. The look book will be available online. A percentage of sales will go to Nest, FFP's 2008 beneficiary.

Edun Live will sponsor FFP's 2008 t-shirts by donating 100% made in Africa tees.

Wednesday

Can you recapture that childhood thrill of Christmas morning again? YES!

BrickFair (www.BrickFair.com) is a Lego convention bringing together AFOLs (Adult Fans Of Lego) from across the country and around the world. The DC Lego festivals are frequented by adult Lego lovers from all over the globe. It's a chance to re-ignite your Lego fetish and to share in creative play with other adults and your own children.

The public is welcome to browse the BrickFair expo on Saturday and Sunday. Train layouts stretch on for miles. The "Great Ball Contraption" is always a hoot! Vendors will be selling special Lego items, including Lego-by-the-piece and individual minifigs. Visitors enjoy discounts at local restaurants.

Lego festivals have grown very popular, primarily in North America, although there are others around the wold. BrickFair marks the return of the Lego festival to the Washington DC area. It is held in the Sheraton Premiere Hotel in Tysons Corner, VA. Stumbling distance to the local LEGO store.

BrickFair is raising $10,000 for The SladeChild Foundation (www.SladeChild.org), a childrens' charity based in Maryland. Visitors' entrance fees finance this fundraising.

If you never quite grew out of Legos as a child, this is an event you must see. Once you step through the doors, we're all the same age: 1Sheraton Premiere at Tyson's Corner (8661 Leesburg Pike Vienna, VA)

YES!Circle, TiE-DC and Success in the City are once again co-conspiring to bring you the most spectacular, fun networking event of the summer! Enjoy the last days of summer while mingling, networking, and having a great time! It's not about trading business cards; it's about connecting, building relationships and most importantly having FUN doing it! Business cards and tropically-inspired attire encouraged; a great attitude and an open mind are absolutely required! This event includes valuable networking, hors d'oeuvres, open bar, and fabulous door prizes!

Tonight, August 27th at the Merrill Lynch Building (1875 Eye St NW) from 6:30-9pm

Head on over to FLY Lounge tonight from 6-10pm to support Facilitating Leadership in Youth (FLY). Mix and Mingle during their charity happy hour where they will be collecting money at the door and selling FLY t-shirts. FLY supports Annacostia youth in achieving their educational goals, helping them develop into the leaders of tomorrow. Check out their website for more information!

Sunday

Save the date for this years' FFP Lookbook launch party held at Tattoo Lounge on Thursday, September 6th from 6-10pm! RSVP at rsvp@sinpr.com

"The look book is a catalogue of chic, contemporary, and ethical designers, modeled by celebrities and everyday citizens who have pledged their support to FFP’s mission. The look book will be available online and limited editions will also be available for purchase. A percentage of sales from each look book will go to Nest (www.buildanest.com), FFP’s 2008 beneficiary, a nonprofit organization dedicated to changing the lives of women in developing countries. Nest provides micro-finance loans to artisan women in the developing world to help them create sustainable entrepreneurial businesses and then gives them a place to sell their unique goods.

EDUN LIVE (www.edun-live.com) will sponsor FFP's 2008 "Dress Responsibly" t-shirts by donating their "100% Made in Africa" tees. Preview tees at launch party, limited editions available for purchase at the benefit. "

On Thursday, August 28th from 6:30-8:30pm, join Sasha Horne and MakedaSaggauSackey at the National Press Club (529 14th street nw) for a special presentation by Anthony Sudler, the President and CEO of the National Capital Alzheimer's Association chapter as he discusses how to identify the signs and symptoms of the cruel disease that effects so many loved ones. $20 suggested donation, complimentary horsd'oeuvres and cash bar.

Tuesday night, head on over to Trattoria Sorrento in Bethesda and network with like-minded DC area entrepeneurial wine enthusiasts while discussing this months' topic: "The Truth About Email Marketing".

For just $49, you can mix and mingle while sharing wine tastings and brilliant new ideas... situations like this are where genius is born! Sorrento is located at 4290 Cordell Ave in Bethesda and is metro accessible for my eco-friendly pals off the Red Line. The reception will include six wines and a buffet of Italian appetizers.

Monday nights are shaken, not stirred in Crystal City with their 21 week James Bond Outdoor Film Festival... Tomorrow's movie? "Golden Eye" (1995) Bond movies will be shown through October 20th in the Courtyard along S. Bell Street between 18th and 20th.

Grab your friends, a blanket, and a picnic and end summer with a Bang... Bond style!

Another Grande opening that will send those taste buds into over-drive... Check out Chop't's newest location in Metro Center tomorrow, Monday 8/25 from 11am-2pm for free salads and sandwiches! Co-founders Tony Shure and Colin McCabe will be there, so come hungry with questions as well! The new Chop't at Metro Center (618 12th st NW) will officially open its doors on Tuesday the 26th....

Tomorrow, August 25th, head on over to the Grande Opening of "Hello Cupcake" at 1251 Connecticut Ave. "A sophisticated twist on an old classic", Hello Cupcake will help you survive the dreaded Monday blues! Opening at 10am, head on over for a cupcake, or eight!

So I have been training with Under Armour's TNP training team online, and man, what a work out! I am currently working on the SPEED set, and the customized workouts that let you establish your goals and track your progress just kick your butt... and your determination! I have tried a bunch of online training programs, but Under Armour's free program is by far the best I have done... which is why I am sitting on my couch, sore as can be, blogging all afternoon because I can barely move...

Wanted to extend a congratulations first off to my brother Patrick and his fiancee Julia who will wed next August!

I also want to congratulate two pairs of my very best friends, Anthony Guajardo and Jenna Landis whom I grew up with since 3rd grade; and my very best friend in the whole wide world Jessica Kent and Steve Lipinski (two of my best friends from high school!) who just got engaged this week!!

Funny enough: I went to prom with both Anthony and Steve... perhaps if you pity dated me to prom, you too, can marry my best friends! And also of course a special congratulations to Nancy Margaret Ray and Andy Andler who will be married this Fall...!!

Attention Fashionistas:It your favorite time of the year again... but you have to hurry because we are almost sold out of VIP tickets!! The Fall 2008 District Sample Sale will be held Tuesday, September 9, from 6:30-9:30pm. We will sell out fast so be sure to get your tickets here! Last Spring, the DSS raised $37,000 for their charities, so help them raise even more this Fall for the DC Rape Crisis Center!!!

So maybe you have lived here and feel like you are the tour guide when friends and family come to visit... but next time let DC BY FOOT guide you on some of the most amazing tours in the nation's capital... FOR FREE!

I met the guys at DC by Foot a few months ago and have meant to post as they are really bringing such an added experience, interacting instead of just reporting facts and figures. They're passion for the city is contagious, knowledge unparalleled, and attitudes amazing! Their "More than Monuments" tour is free, every day at 2 and 6pm at the Washington Monument! They also host the BenefacTOURS every Sunday at 6pm, with all tips generated being donated to a local Washington DC charity! Good work guys!

Having Celiac's disease and being gluten intolerant, it is always a challenge to go out to nice restaurants without having to spend the entire first half of the evening disecting the menu in attempts to find something I can actually eat.

You can imagine how thrilled I was when I had lunch during Restaurant Week at Peacock Grande Cafe and many of the fabulous entrees on their menu are Gluten-free-friendly!! What a wonderful surprise!

Summer will be gone soon.Let’s enjoy the best moments of the summerAnd CELEBRATE you-new you, just because you’re valued Salon RoiCUSTOMER and FRIEND we would like to exclusively invite you and your friendsTo our custom-made jewelry SUMMER SALE event (everything 20% off).Please, join us for cocktails and take a small tiny Leopard Box filled with jewelry with you. On Wed, August 20th from 8-11pm. No RSVP needed, just stop by during that time and bring friends and loved ones…

Free Dinner on the eve of Opening of Saagar Indian Cuisine on Wednesday, August 20th from 6:30-10pm! Saagar Indian Cuisine is proud to present you with the authentic Indian Food, please join Master Chef Mr. Shekhar on the evening of August 20th to celebrate the Grand Opening.

Raise your glass to conservation and join FONZ Young Professionals at the fourth annual Brew at the Zoo. Sample beer and hors d'oeuvres from more than 20 microbreweries and area restaurants, enjoy animal demonstrations, and groove to live music by a top local band.The ticket price includes all beer samples, food, entertainment, and a commemorative glass. Proceeds support animal care, conservation science, education and sustainability at the National Zoo.Another excellent event at the National Zoo and this one is a good deal cheaper than the Zoofari. Lots of great food and drink for a worthy cause.

From Memorial Day to Fourth of the July this summer has been memorable. Now as the summer draws to a close, let's not forget those that have been fighting for us.Please join us at the Rookery for music, drink specials, and grand old American happy hour. This is the perfect opportunity to bust out that red, white, or blue summer outfit one last time.-$10 suggested donation at the door- Patriotic attire encouraged- Free admission with a military IDAll procedes go directly to airline tickets that reunite wounded soldiers with their loved ones. Please join us and be a part of their recovery. For more information about Luke's Wings please visit www.lukeswings.org.

Come dressed to impress in your black and white and ready to mix and mingle with members of Team Brunette as they raise money to tackle Alzheimer's disease in the 2008 Blondes vs. Brunettes charity football game.

All proceeds go to benefit Makeda, Sasha & Lilly's fundraising for the Blonde's vs. Brunettes charity flag football game in support of the Alzheimer's Association. Since 2005, Blondes vs. Brunettes has raised more than $75,000 for the Alzheimer's Association National Capital Area Chapter. This unique charity has brought some of Washington, D.C.'s most prominent young women leaders together to raise awareness about the disease – sometimes occurring in individuals as young as 30 – and funds for the Chapter so that it may continue to provide services and programs – at no or low cost – to area residents.

Liton Agency is searching for a Bubbly and confidant TV Host for Redskins Late Night Show. It will be hosted by Chris Paul of WPGC and produced by Larry Michael. It’ll be seen each week on WUSA 9 each Saturday night at 12:30.This is a great opportunity to become a celebrity in DC Metro area, be on TV and have huge potential to meet other media and marketing groups for future events all over the country. If you dream to be on TV, then this is the Job for you !The show will be taped each Tuesday night at Gordon Beirsch at Tyson’s Corner Center from 7-8:30PM for 17 weeks. One note. Because of the Thursday night opener against the Giants and the short week to produce the show, the first show will be taped at Gordon Beirsch at Tyson’s on Friday night August 29th. Other than that one show, it’ll be every Tuesday night for taping from Sept 9 thru the last week in December.Duties would be to interact with the host and player on camera. Possibly interact in a comedy skit. Could have a mike in the crowd for fan questions. Most importantly, she will be asked to dress sexy and add an element of sex appeal to this Late Night show. We are not only looking for just a great talent but you MUST be professional, punctual and take this job very serious as millions of people will be viewing you and the show depends on the quality of work that you provide. We will hold live auditions this Monday the 18th at either Redskins Park in Ashburn or Easterns Main office in Reston.

Monday

Hot pink procratination tool- check! Thanks to Dan Birdwhistell of Big Sight Media who pointed me in the right direction of Non Society, I am now obsessed. I honestly cannot say which contributor is my favorite: Julia the eager dating columnist, Meghan the Geekette who makes me feel a little more normal, or Mary the style snob whom I cannot decide if I envy or worship for her chic and sensible style! I kind of would love to be best friends with all three... ;-) Check it out! I really think they should come to DC so we can host a non-society launch party for them in the Nation's Capital!

We all have a pink National's hat floating around the jungle we call a closet- time to break it out- Its Ladies Night!! The Savvy Girls of Summer will be there promoting their new book, "It Takes More Than Balls" while Last Comic Standing semi-finalist Erin Jackson will have you falling off your seat! Watch the Nats take on the New York Mets with a few cocktails at the 5pm happy hour, first pitch is at 7:10.

She tells the salesman, "I would like to buy a pair of pink curtains." The salesman assures her that they have a large selection of pink curtains. He shows her several patterns, but the blonde seems to be having a hard time choosing.

Finally she selects a lovely pink floral print. The salesman then asks what size curtains she needs. The blonde promptly replies, "fifteen inches"

"Fifteen inches???" asked the salesman. "That sounds very small, what room are they for?"

The blonde tells him that they aren't for a room, they are for her computer monitor.

Wednesday

Live music, sports, and an open bar? Sign me up! I am so excited for the DC Jam Session 2008 which kicks off August 23rd at RFK Stadium Festival Grounds! Each of the three jam sessions includes an open beer bar, non-alcoholic beverages, food, bands and djs AND a premium seat at the DC United games, "United We Party!"

Last night a group of us decided to beat the weather and headed down to China Town to check out bowling at Lucky Strike. In full disclosure, the last time I bowled I only got a 19... but with the help of "Mo" who helped me pick out my lucky blue ball, I didn't do too bad- hit something like 140 or so... Huge improvement! Sometimes I forget how much fun bowling is (especially when enhanced by a few cocktails!)

Sounds like a phenomenal event for tomorrow, the Smithsonian Young Benefactors are heading to the Embassy of Australia to view Utopia, a collection of silk batiks by indigenous Australian Artists from the Utopia region. $10 suggested donation benefits the YB Culture4Kids Fund. Email yp@si.edu for more information!

Since moving to D.C., I have always longed to attend Screen on the Green. Dorky, maybe, but it has been on my to-do list for the past three summers, and finally I can check it off! Monday night I saw "The Apartment" at HBO's Screen on the Green down at the National Mall. Hundreds of people gathered on the lawn, sprawled out on blankets with picnics, playing cards and laughing as the sun set in anticipation of a romantic movie night. While the atmosphere was second to none, I have to admit that I am still a bit perplexed by the movie pickers' choice in films to show at a very public venue with little kids galore. Having no idea what "The Apartment" was about, I was taken aback slightly as the story unfolded about how a business man was essentially allowing his apartment to be used by upper management as a brothel, thus allowing him to get ahead in the work place. While this was a black and white film from the 1960s and nothing was explicit, I was still red with embarassment! Thank goodness it was dark!

After a little research, I found more info on the "Screen on the Green HBO Dance" which just stunned me as hundreds if not thousands of people knew what to do as I sat there bewildered... Don't get me wrong, I love people watching, and this city gives you one of the best backgrounds for all kinds of antics...

Be sure to check out the last Screen on the Green for this summer next Monday... Superman!!

My favorite time of the year- summer Restaurant week in Washington! The week long celebration, from the 11th-17th boasts nearly 200 of Washington's best restaurants at a great price- $20.08 for a three-course fixed price lunch, and just $35.08 for a three-course fixed price meal! Not bad! These places fill up fast, so head on over to OpenTable.com to get your reservations now... I know I will! On tap for me? CoCoSala, Darlington House, Oya, Neyla, Mie N Yu, Peacock, the list just goes on and on... Yum!

Just wanted to send a quick shout out to AtilaOmer (and Happy Birthday!) for the blood, sweat, and tears he put into making last Thursday's Battle of the Bicep's event at the Rookery a phenomenal success! I was unable to make it but must congratulate him as I have heard accolades from everyone involved and the $7000 he raised for Neediest Kids is a testament that his hard work paid off... Congratulations on your success!

Last Thursday, three of the Washington Bayhawks' players headed over to the Children's National Medical Center before heading up to Rutgers to take on the New Jersey Pride. Conor Gill, Jamison Mullen, and Billy Glading passed out ice cream, player cards, and posters to many remarkable little guys on the children's cancer floor in honor of Mason's Super Stars, seeing the kids' faces light up as they talked with the guys about movies, lacrosse, and summer plans was far more rewarding than one could imagine. The players exchanged email addresses with a few of the teenagers and have already been keeping in touch, one little girl told the boys how pretty they made her feel when she was having such a rough day...

Thank you again to everyone at the hospital and to Danielle Leach for facilitating the wonderful morning... Words don't do justice in describing how touching the experience was for all involved. Feel free to shoot me an email if you want more information on how you can get involved.

Friday

According to my YELP! weekend updates, there will be a "Cardboard Tube Fighting League Tournament- Washington War Dance" tomorrow, Saturday, July 26th, at 3pm on the Mall. This free event no doubt will bring out some interesting people, so be sure to bring along your camera!!!

Attire? "Cardboard armor, costumes encouraged. Business suits are also highly encouraged for this event"

"Let's beat each other up with cardboard tubes!"

While I unfortunately have a conflict and will be unable to make the event, figured I would pass it along... Only in Washington...

D.C. Magazine is of course one of my must-reads, which makes me ever-so-excited that Modern Luxury Media group just acquired Julib.com, the online luxury retail newsletter! What does this mean for DC fashionistas and jetsetters- a little dose of DC Mag coming right into your inbox! Congratulations!

Not so sure how I am feeling about the new facebook. I like the horizontal emphasis but it all just seems too stretched since I have been looking at the same format for so many years. I don't like it. Perhaps I am just bitter that I had to miss out on the F8 conference that had Thievery Corporation dominating the stage after the talks were through, but either way, I want the old facebook back.

Wednesday

Don't miss your chance to sign up for a Fall Flag football team through Play Head First Sports League. Last Spring, Shockingly Offensive Behavior dominated the afterparty, if not the field. Such a great experience to bond and get your day started while all of your friends are still taming their touch of the Irish flu.

New Leagues

If your office or team is looking to play flag football this fall you have found the best leagues in the Washington, DC area.

Full Schedule

Each team will play a full 8 game regular season schedule with playoffs and a championship to follow. This will ensure all teams will play at least 9 games!

Full Service

Headfirst Sports is the premier provider of youth and adult recreational sports in the area. We know what it takes to run the best programs, and it will show throughout the season as our staff will provide expert service and coordination in each league and event. Your league fee is all-inclusive, as Headfirst provides facility reservations, officials, equipment, web updates, scheduling, post-game social activities and awards. If you register as a free agent we will place you on a team and provide you with a uniform. All skill levels are welcome.

Flag Football League dues per team

• $795 if you register before August 15.

• $895 if you register after August 15.

League dues if you are registering as a free agent are $85 for the season.

We can help you with your team’s uniforms as well.

Great Locations

We have fields reserved on Saturday and Sunday. Games will be played downtown by the Washington Monument, West Potomac Park, and 23rd & Constitution. Tell us your best day and times and we will work with your team to create the best schedule possible.If you have any questions please do not hesitate to call us at 202-625-1921 ext. 19 or email us at adultsports@headfirstsportsleagues.com

I love the Darlington House in Dupont. I think I have been so hesitant to divulge my accolades for their amazing food, drinks, and service only because I have never been too good at sharing...

But it is true, the Darlington House does dining better than just about any other place I have been to in the Washington area. I was introduced to the Darlington House by my good friend and Grooming Lounge owner Pirooz, and it has turned into our weekly meeting spot- delving into amazing dishes and of course bottles of wine!

Tomorrow from 7-9pm, the Darlington House will be offering complimentary samples of mojitos made with 10 Cane Rum- an exquisite premium Rum from the makers of Dom Perignon and Louis Vuitton. Need I say more?

In this sweaty summer heat, one of the most important things is to stay hydrated (trust me, this is a biggie for me since I get dozens of kidney stones every year! If what doesn't kill you makes you stronger, I must be looking like the incredible Hulk these days ha ha!)

My choice for the H2O? smartwater by Glaceau. While I used to be a Fiji girl, I just cannot tell you how great a quick sip of smart water rejuvenates me in the hot summer heat. Whether I am replenishing after my 5:30am workouts or trying to recuperate from a full night of soirees, SmartWater just does it for me. The difference? smartwateris enhanced with electrolytes. Doing some research on their website, I found that "smartwater is inspired by the way mother nature makes water, known as the hydrologic cycle (you remember the ocean, cloud, raindrop diorama from fifth grade right? Actually, it's how we got our name too (hydro=water/logic=smart)."

Oh and I have named the little goldfish dude in every refreshing bottle. His new name is Quench. My new slogan for them? Smart Blondes drink smartwater... Glaceau, call me. ;-)